Did you miss the original March Madness post? If so, go here and catch up!
So…. the Tune Inn vs. Tunnicliff’s. Where to begin? It seems I have painted myself into a corner because these places are hard to write about. In short, they are both pretty amazing, welcoming, and overall wonderful places.
Tunnicliff’s, located right across the street from Eastern Market, is as close to the beating heart of the neighborhood as any establishment. Good food, good support for local schools, good beers on tap, friendly feel, flexibility. You can walk in and find a dozen of MPD’s finest right next to a table of busy parents and cooing babies, next to one with some sort of neighborhood bigwig, possibly a columnist for a local newspaper, say. (“PssSsSst! DON’T LOOK but you totally have to see who just sat down!) Brunch is hearty; burgers are great; the meatloaf is always tasty as is the ahi tuna appetizer. A rotating cast of local and well-known beers keeps everyone happy.
The Tune Inn. Much like when I was writing about The Argonaut (and what a match-up THAT was!) there comes that moment where you have to pause and remember where you were when you heard the Tune Inn burned down. Is there a more beloved bar around these parts? Well, other than the other fifteen bars in this tournament, naturally! Here you can also see other kinds of legislative bigwigs. My favorite bit of lore is that James Carville and Mary Matalin had their first date at the Tune Inn — I am a romantic. And incidentally, if you happen to want a Mimosa mixed for you because it’s Tuesday morning, and it’s your birthday, this is the one place on earth where you can get it in a pint glass, like a proper breakfast of champions ought to be.
Vote, vote! Which beloved bar will reign supreme until the next round?